Method of informing of potentially harmful electromagnetic fields

ABSTRACT

A method of determining the energy level of an electromagnetic field (EMF) received from an EMF source (EMFS) and for identifying the EMFS is provided, the method using a plurality of EMF sensing apparatuses to combine data gathered by the apparatuses in order to identify the level and the sources of the EMF at locations over time. Historical and anticipated EMF-related data is used to warn a user of EMF levels above a preset value. Past, current and future anticipated EMF levels are adapted to be displayed on a map. Methods thereof, apparatuses thereof and computer-readable mediums storing the methods are within the scope of the present invention.

CROSS-REFERENCE

This United States non-provisional patent application relates to, is acontinuation application and claims priority from U.S. patent Ser. No.13/798,431, filed Mar. 13, 2013, entitled METHOD OF SCANNING, ANALYZINGAND IDENTIFYING ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD SOURCES, which relates to and is acontinuation application and claims priority from U.S. patent Ser. No.12/618,739, filed Nov. 15, 2009, entitled METHOD OF SCANNING, ANALYZINGAND IDENTIFYING ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD SOURCES, which relates to andclaims priority from U.S. provisional patent No. 61/115,066, filed Nov.15, 2008, entitled METHOD, SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR SCANNING,IDENTIFYING AND ANALYSING THE ENERGY LEVEL RECEIVED FROM EMF SOURCES,which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Anypublication of and any patent issuing from the foregoing U.S. patentapplication is hereby incorporated herein by reference. Furthermore, thedisclosure of the priority provisional application is contained in theAppendix hereto, which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a method for determining theenergy level received from EMF sources. More particularly, the presentinvention relates to a method for monitoring the EMF exposure affectingan individual during his life activities. Additionally, the presentinvention relates to a method for combining data from a plurality of EMFsensors. Further, the present invention relates to a system and anapparatus adapted to carry out the method.

BACKGROUND

The presence of many electrical devices in our environment is becoming aconcern for everybody. Electrical devices generate magnetic and electricfields that can potentially be harmful to the health of humans and otherliving species. These fields are produced using a number of frequenciesand energy levels.

For example, the fields produced by lamps, by toasters or by theelectrical wiring in a house are all examples of extremely low frequencyfields (ELF) generating devices. These ELF generating devices producefields of frequencies around 60 Hz in North America and 50 Hz in Europe.On the other hand, computer screen and anti-theft devices are examplesof devices generating intermediate frequency (IF). These IF generatingdevices produce fields of frequencies in the range of about 300 Hzthrough 10 MHz. Televisions, radio stations and mobile phones are allexamples of radio frequency fields (RF) generating devices. These RFgenerating devices produce fields of frequencies in the range of about10 MHz through 300 GHz. The effects of these fields depend on thefield's strength, the frequency and the level of energy of each field.

The effects on health of these electromagnetic fields (EMF) are theobject of many studies. These EMF, depending on their energy level, caninduce current in the human body, they can generate heat in the body,they can affect the human DNA, they can affect human cells and they cancause electric shocks among other effects. Other potential harmfulhealth effects include the Alzheimer disease and many types of cancerssuch as leukemia and brain cancer.

Consequently, many organizations have conducted studies related to theeffects of EMF on human health. One of these organizations is the WorldHealth Organization (WHO) (http://www.who.int/peh-emf/en/) that hasestablished a study named: The International EMF project(http://www.who.int/peh-emf/project/en/). Previous studies were carriedout by WHO like the International Commission on Non-Ionizing RadiationProtection (ICNIRP) (http://www.icnirp.de/) which established standarddata of electromagnetic fields (EMF) exposition in 1998 that werefollowed by many countries. Another organization that carries studies isthe Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers (IEEE) thatestablished standards for EMF exposition in 2002 [IEEE Std C.95.1 for RFand Std. C.95.6 for ELF (2002)].

One issue facing the scientists working on these studies is a lack ofdata about the long time exposure to the EMF since the increasingpresence of high EMF emitters, like mobile phones, is relatively new.Another problem is the identification of the sources of EMF and theirassociated energy level, since individuals are typically exposed to manytypes of EMF sources producing many kinds of EMF. In addition,scientists have to take into account the previous health history of theindividuals under study. Consequently, the effect on human health of theexposure to EMF is still the object of a number of serious studies.There is therefore a need for a device that will monitor and record datarepresenting the EMF environment of individuals in their dailyactivities.

In the past, a variety of EMF measuring instruments have been providedin different packages. Such instruments are commonly found in universitylaboratories and in professional electrician tool kits. Instrument suchas spectrum analyzer, radiation dosimeter, Gaussian meter and electricfield meter are well known in the art. However, these instruments arenot concerned with gathering the results over long period of time.Typically these instruments will provide a measure for the instantaneousvalue of the current EMF energy level at different frequencies.Moreover, these instruments are typically built to measure one type offrequency range while being poorly adapted or unable, to takemeasurement at other frequency range. Generally these instruments aretoo large to be worn by an individual during normal life activities. Andtypically, these instruments are not concerned with the identificationof the source generating the EMF and recording EMF sources data over aperiod of time. They are also not configured to keep an historicalrecord of the EMF data and even less to associate geographical datatherewith.

In light of these reasons, there is a need for a method and a devicethat provide a history of EMF exposition of an individual. Additionally,there is a need for a device that provides the identification of thesource of these fields and the associated energy level thereof. It isalso desirable to collect EMF data and store them in a database thusallowing a global analysis of EMF in respect to geographical locationand over time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a simplified summary of the invention in order toprovide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. Thissummary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is notintended to identify key/critical elements of the invention or todelineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to presentsome concepts of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to themore detailed description that is presented later.

An object of the invention provides a method adapted to gather EMFsignals encountered by an individual during normal life activities toanalyze EMF the EMF signal and find the different EMF sources thereinand their respective power. The EMF data is stored and used to providehistorical record of EMF sources and their relative respective impact onthe individual to correlate health problems of the individual with theEMF that had an effect in its life. The historical data can be sharedamong many individuals to build a sort of EMF map illustrating theamount of EMF and other EMF data at various locations. Further, based onthe EMF data, statistical extrapolations can be made to illustrate theexpected amount of EMF at a location in time. The method can be carriedout in a plurality of devices like mobile phones or other portabledevices.

One object of the invention is to provide a method, a device and agraphical user interface carrying the method, for identifying EMFsources as well as determining the energy level corresponding to eachsource. The method provides, inter alia, the step of receiving the EMFinput signal, the step of separating the EMF input signal intosub-signals, the step of calculating the energy level of each sub-signaland the step of identifying the source of each sub-signal wheneverpossible. The step of identifying the EMF source may include usingdifferent steps such as decoding the sub-signal signature or using areference database of known sources mapped by their characteristics. Afurther step of storing EMF data is also provided.

One additional object of the invention is to provide a networkconfiguration of a plurality of EMF sensing instruments, either of thesame individual or devices of a group of users, putting in common theirdata.

One additional aspect of the invention is to provide a storage moduleadapted to store the data of many EMF sources together with theirdetermined corresponding level of energy in view of facilitating theirsubsequent identification by an identifying module of an EMF detectingdevice.

One other object of the invention is to provide an EMF locating moduleadapted to provides a geographical location associated with detected EMFradiations event.

One other object of the invention is to provide a calendar-clock moduleadapted to provide a time and date for each detected EMF radiationevent.

One other object of the invention is to provide a module adapted tolocate EMF sources.

One additional object of the invention is to provide a networkarrangement that allows many users to share their information about theEMF sources to generate a global EMF mapping of EMFs at specificlocations and over time.

Another object of the invention is to provide a module adapted tointerpolate values that include interpolation between different EMFdetection events in function of the location of the detected event,interpolation of values in function of time, etc.

One object of the present invention provides a method to record anindividual exposition to EMF over time such that it is possible to inferwhich EMF source(s) had a significant impact.

Another object of the present invention provides a personal portableapparatus adapted to sense EMFs and collect data thereof.

One other object of the present invention provides a network configuredto collect EMF data from a plurality of personal portable apparatusesand combine them to provide a general assessment of EMF energy level'sstate, function of geographical locations and time.

An aspect of the present invention automatically transfers EMF data tothe network when the EMFDD has collected EMF data and the EMFDD isconnected to a network.

One another additional aspect of the present invention provides apersonal apparatus adapted to sense EMFs and warn a user/wearer when thesensed EMF reaches a predetermined instantaneous EMF energy levelthreshold or reaches a predetermined accumulation threshold of EMFenergy.

Another aspect of the present invention provides an EMF sensing tooladapted to copy EMFs reaching an individual and configured to keep arecord thereof to testimony how much EMF an individual has been incontact with. Moreover, analysis of the sensed EMFs is adapted todetermine which EMFs have been the most significant and potentiallyharmful to the individual.

An aspect of the present invention provides an EMF analyzing tooladapted to extrapolate in time the expected amount of EMFs at ageographical localization.

Another aspect of the invention provides a method for determining theenergy level of an electromagnetic field (EMF) received from an EMFsource (EMFS) and for identifying the EMFS is provided, the methodcomprising: receiving an EMF signal, separating the EMF signal into EMFsub-signals; determining, when possible, the energy level of EMFsub-signals; identify, when possible, the EMFS corresponding to the EMFsub-signals; and recording EMF related data.

One other aspect of the present invention provides a device fordetermining EMF energy level in the environment of an individual and foridentifying EMFS thereof, the device comprising: a receiving moduleadapted to receive an EMF signal; a processing module operativelyconnected with the receiving module and adapted to separate the receivedEMF signal into a plurality of EMF sub-signals, the processing modulebeing further adapted to determine an EMF energy level corresponding toat least one of the EMF sub-signals; an identifying module operativelyconnected with the processing module and adapted to associate, whenpossible, an electromagnetic field source to its related EMF sub-signal;a location module operatively connected to the processing module andadapted to identify a location associated with the sensed EMF signal;and a storage module adapted to store EMF data thereon.

An additional aspect of the present invention provides a system fordetermining an energy level of an EMF signal and a corresponding EMFsub-signal received from an EMFS, the system comprising: a plurality ofEMFDD connected to a communication network; and at least one serverconfigured to communicate with at least some of the plurality of EMFDD.

One another aspect of the present invention provides a user graphicalinterface comprising: an area adapted to illustrate the energy level ofEMFS in relation with geographical locations.

Other objects, advantages and features will become readily apparent tothe people skilled in the art upon reading the following descriptionsthat makes reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings which form a part of this originaldisclosure:

FIG. 1 is an exemplary schematic illustration of a network in accordancewith one possible embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an exemplary schematic illustration of a computer network inaccordance with one possible embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is an exemplary schematic illustration of a computer system inaccordance with one possible embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is an exemplary schematic block diagram of an EMFDD in accordancewith one possible embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is an exemplary schematic block diagram of the EMFDD embedded inthe EMFDA in accordance with one possible embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is an exemplary schematic block diagram of the EMFDD embedded ina mobile phone according to one possible embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating a number of modulesfor receiving and processing the EMF input signal in accordance with onepossible embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating a number of modulesfor identifying the EMF sub-signal(s) in accordance with one possibleembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating a number of modulesfor the locating module of the EMFDD in accordance with one possibleembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary block diagram illustrating a number ofmodules of the EMFDD separated from the EMFDA of one alternateembodiment in accordance with one possible embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the EMFDD of one alternate embodimentin accordance with one possible embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating a number of modulesof the receiving module and processing module in accordance with onepossible embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 13 is an exemplary block diagram of the identifying module inaccordance with one possible embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 14 is an exemplary block diagram of the locating module inaccordance with one possible embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 15 is an exemplary schematic view of plausible EMFSs and EMFDAs ina networked configuration in accordance with possible embodiments of theinvention;

FIG. 16 is an exemplary auxiliary antenna in accordance with inaccordance with one possible embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 17 is an exemplary dipole antenna of the EMFDD and EMFSs inaccordance with one possible embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 18 is an exemplary loop antenna of the EMFDD and EMFSs inaccordance with one possible embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 19 illustrates an exemplary screen snap-shot of an application forsetting the EMFDD and EMFS information in a networked application inaccordance with one possible embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 20 illustrates an exemplary screen snap-shot of sub-signal spectrumin accordance with one possible embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 21 illustrates another exemplary screen snap-shot of sub-signalspectrum in accordance with one possible embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 22 illustrates an exemplary screen snap-shot of the power spectrumin accordance with one possible embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 23 is an exemplary flowchart illustrating a method in accordancewith one possible embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 24 is an exemplary flowchart illustrating a method for performing adigital analysis in accordance with one possible embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 25 is an exemplary flowchart illustrating a method for performingan analogical analysis in accordance with one possible embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 26 is an exemplary flowchart illustrating a method for reading theEMF input signal in an analogical mode in accordance with one possibleembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 27 is an exemplary flowchart illustrating a method for identifyingthe EMFS in accordance with one possible embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 28 is an exemplary flowchart illustrating a method for reading thegeographical coordinates in accordance with one possible embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 29 is an exemplary flowchart illustrating a method for transmittingdata in accordance with one possible embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 30 is an exemplary flowchart illustrating a method for storing theEMF data in accordance with one possible embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 31 is an exemplary flowchart illustrating a method for presentingthe results in accordance with one possible embodiment of the invention;and

FIG. 32 is an exemplary graphical representation of the EMF exposure ofan individual over time.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S) OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is now described with reference to the Figures. Inthe following description, for purposes of explanation, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the present invention. It may be evident, however, thatthe present invention may be practiced without these specific details.In other instances, structures and devices are shown in block diagramform in order to facilitate describing possible illustrative embodimentsof the present invention.

The features provided in this specification mainly relate to principlesfor detecting electromagnetic fields energy levels and theelectromagnetic fields frequencies present in an individual'senvironment and is concerned with identifying the electromagnetic fieldssources 905 causing electromagnetic fields expositions. Thisspecification also covers computer softwares/applications andmachine-readable codes/instructions adapted to detect, identify anddisplay electromagnetic field data associated with electromagneticradiation and exposition for a period of time. These codes/instructionsare preferably stored on a machine-readable medium to be read and actedupon to with a computer or a machine having the appropriatecode/instructions reading capability.

Exemplary Network

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary network 10 in which a system and method,consistent with the present invention, may be implemented. The network10 may include multiple client devices 12 connected to multiple servers14, 16, 18 via a network 20. The network 20 may include a local areanetwork (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a phone network, such as thePublic Switched Phone Network (PSTN), an intranet, the Internet, Wi-Fi,WiMAX or a combination of networks. Two client devices 12 and threeservers 14, 16, 18 have been illustrated connected to network 20 forsimplicity. In practice, there may be more or less client devices andservers. Also, in some instances, a client device may perform thefunctions of a server and a server may perform the functions of a clientdevice.

The client devices 12 may include devices, such as mainframes,minicomputers, personal computers, laptops, personal digital assistants,phones, or the like, capable of connecting to the network 20. The clientdevices 12 may transmit data over the network 20 or receive data fromthe network 20 via a wired, wireless, or optical connection.

The servers 14, 16, 18 may include one or more types of computer system,such as a mainframe, minicomputer, or personal computer, capable ofconnecting to the network 20 to enable servers 14, 16, 18 to communicatewith the client devices 12. In alternative implementations, the servers14, 16, 18 may include mechanisms for directly connecting to one or moreclient devices 12. The servers 14, 16, 18 may transmit data over network14 or receive data from the network 20 via a wired, wireless, or opticalconnection.

In an implementation consistent with the present invention, the server14 may include a search engine 22 usable by the client devices 12. Theservers 14 may store documents, such as web pages, accessible by theclient devices 12.

With reference to FIG. 2, a network 20 includes a content cloud 30, acontent database 32, content devices 34-38, and devices 40-48. Thenetwork mediator 28 enables the network devices 32-38 to communicatewith each other without pre-configuring each device. The content cloud30 represent a content source such as the Internet, where content existsat various distributed locations across the globe and even further likein space. The content includes documents and multimedia content such asaudio and video. The mediator 28 allows the content cloud to providecontent to devices 40-48. The content database 32 is a storage devicethat maintains content. The content database 32 may be a stand-alonedevice on an external communication network. The mediator 28communicates with the content database 32 to access and retrievecontent. The content devices 34-38 include intelligent devices, such as,for example, personal computers, laptops, cell phones and personaldigital assistants. The content devices 32-38 are capable or storingcontent data. The devices 40-48 are intelligent devices that receivecontent from a content source 30-38. However, the devices 30-38 can alsooperate as servers to distribute content to other client devices.

Exemplary Client Architecture

The following discussion provides a brief, general description of anexemplary apparatus in which at least some aspects of the presentinvention may be implemented. The present invention will be described inthe general context of computer-executable instructions, such as programmodules, being executed by a computerized device. However, the methodsof the present invention may be affected by other apparatus. Programmodules may include routines, programs, objects, components, datastructures, applets, WEB 2.0 type of evolved networked centeredapplications, etc. that perform a task(s) or implement particularabstract data types. Moreover, these skilled in the art will appreciatethat at least some aspects of the present invention may be practicedwith other configurations, including hand-held devices, multiprocessorsystem, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics,network computers, minicomputers, set top boxes, mainframe computers,gaming console and the like. At least some aspects of the presentinvention may also be practiced in distributed computing environmentswhere tasks are performed by remote processing devices linked through acommunications network. In a distributed computing environment, programmodules may be located in local and/or remote memory storage devices.

With reference to FIG. 3, an exemplary apparatus 100 for implementing atleast some aspects of the present invention includes a general purposecomputing device in the form of a conventional personal computer 120 orin the form of a computerized portable apparatus. The computer 120 mayinclude a processing unit 121, a system memory 122, and a system bus 123that couples various system components, including the system memory 122,to the processing unit 121. The system bus 123 may be any of severaltypes of bus structures including a memory bus or memory controller, aperipheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety of busarchitectures. The system memory may include read only memory (ROM) 124and/or random access memory (RAM) 125. A basic input/output system 126(BIOS), containing basic routines that help to transfer data betweenelements within the personal computer 120, such as during start-up, maybe stored in ROM 124. The personal computer 120 may also include a harddisk drive 127 for reading from and writing to a hard disk, (not shown),a magnetic disk drive 128 for reading from or writing to a (e.g.,removable) magnetic disk 129, and an optical disk drive 130 for readingfrom or writing to a removable (magneto) optical disk 131 such as acompact disk or other (magneto) optical media. The hard disk drive 127,magnetic disk drive 128, and (magneto) optical disk drive 130 may becoupled with the system bus 123 by a hard disk drive interface 132, amagnetic disk drive interface 133, and a (magneto) optical driveinterface 134, respectively. The drives and their associated storagemedia provide nonvolatile (or persistent) storage of machine readableinstructions, data structures, program modules and other data for thepersonal computer 120. Although the exemplary environment describedherein employs a hard disk, a removable magnetic disk 129 and aremovable optical disk 131, these skilled in the art will appreciatethat other types of storage media, such as magnetic cassettes, flashmemory cards, digital video disks, Bernoulli cartridges, random accessmemories (RAMs), read only memories (ROM), and the like, may be usedinstead of, or in addition to, the storage devices introduced above.

A number of program modules may be stored on the hard disk 127, magneticdisk 129, (magneto) optical disk 131, ROM 124 or RAM 125, such as anoperating system 135 (for example, Windows® NT® 4.0, sold by Microsoft®Corporation of Redmond, Wash.), one or more application programs 136,other program modules 137 (such as “Alice”, which is a research systemdeveloped by the User Interface Group at Carnegie Mellon Universityavailable at www.Alice.org, OpenGL from Silicon Graphics Inc. ofMountain View Calif., or Direct 3D from Microsoft Corp. of BellevueWash.), and/or program data 138 for example.

A user may enter commands and data into the personal computer 120through input devices, such as a keyboard 140, a camera 141 and pointingdevice 142 for example. Other input devices (not shown) such as amicrophone, joystick, game pad, satellite dish, scanner, a touchsensitive screen, accelerometers adapted to sense movements of the useror movements of a device, or the like may also be included. These andother input devices are often connected to the processing unit 121through a serial port interface 146 coupled to the system bus. However,input devices may be connected by other interfaces, such as a parallelport, a game port, blue tooth connection or a universal serial bus(USB). For example, since the bandwidth of the camera 141 may be toogreat for the serial port, the video camera 141 may be coupled with thesystem bus 123 via a video capture card (not shown). The video monitor147 or other type of display device may also be connected to the systembus 123 via an interface, such as a video adapter 148 for example. Thevideo adapter 148 may include a graphics accelerator. One or morespeaker 162 may be connected to the system bus 123 via a sound card 161(e.g., a wave table synthesizer such as product number AWE64 Gold Cardfrom Creative® Labs of Milpitas, Calif.). In addition to the monitor 147and speaker(s) 162, the personal computer 120 may include otherperipheral output devices (not shown), such as a printer for example. Asan alternative or an addition to the video monitor 147, a stereo videooutput device, such as a head mounted display or LCD shutter glasses forexample, could be used.

The personal computer 120 may operate in a networked environment whichdefines logical connections to one or more remote computers, such as aremote computer 149. The remote computer 149 may be another personalcomputer, a server, a router, a network PC, a peer device or othercommon network node, and may include many or all of the elementsdescribed above relative to the personal computer 120, although only amemory storage device has been illustrated in FIG. 3. The logicalconnections depicted in FIG. 2 include a local area network (LAN) 14 anda wide area network (WAN) 152, an intranet and the Internet.

When used in a LAN, the personal computer 120 may be connected to theLAN 14 through a network interface adapter (or “NIC”) 153. When used ina WAN, such as the Internet, the personal computer 120 may include amodem 154 or other means for establishing communications over the widearea network 152 (e.g. Wi-Fi, WinMax). The modem 154, which may beinternal or external, may be connected to the system bus 123 via theserial port interface 146. In a networked environment, at least some ofthe program modules depicted relative to the personal computer 120 maybe stored in the remote memory storage device. The network connectionsshown are exemplary and other means of establishing a communicationslink between the computers may be used.

The Electromagnetic Fields Detecting Device (EMFDD)

In order to simplify the text we will be hereinafter refer to theElectromagnetic Field Detecting Device as EMFDD. Despite the fact thatthe EMFDD can do more than merely detecting the electromagnetic field(s)as it will be explained below. In the same manner, the ElectromagneticFields Source, which provides the EMF fields, will be hereinafterreferred to as EMFS. The apparatus adapted to cooperate with the EMFDDwill be hereinafter referred to as EMFDA. The electromagnetic fieldswill be hereinafter referred to as EMF.

The combined signal received by the EMFDD 200 will hereinafter bereferred to as the EMF input signal. Each portion of the EMF inputsignal associated with specific EMFS 905 will hereinafter be referred toas EMF sub-signal. A detection event happens when the EMFDD 200 readsthe EMF input signal. The values detected, or calculated in associationwith a detection event, will be hereinafter referred to as the EMF data.The EMFS 905 data that will be used by the EMFDD 200 to identify theEMFS 905 will hereinafter be referred to as EMFS 905 data. These termsbeing better defined, lets move on with the description.

We now refer to FIG. 4, which illustrates one embodiment of the EMFDD200. The EMFDD 200 comprises a receiving module 201, a processing module202 and an identifying module 203. The receiving module 201 includes atleast one antenna adapted to sense EMF input signals.

The EMF input signal is a combination of a plurality of EMF sub-signals,each provided by their respective EMFS 905, for which illustrativeexamples are provided on FIG. 15. The processing module 202 isresponsible for segregating the EMF input signal into a plurality of EMFsub-signals and for determining the energy level of each sub-signal. Theprocessing module 202 may be implemented in digital mode or inanalogical mode without departing from the scope of the presentapplication.

The energy level for each EMF input sub-signal is typically measured inpower density; the unit for power density is the Watt/meter² (W/m²). Theenergy level of electric fields is typically measured in linear densityVolt/meter (V/m), while the energy level of magnetic fields is typicallymeasured in milligauss (mG). The energy level of the EMF input signalcombined may be calculated with the expression given by:

$\begin{matrix}{{Power} = {\sum\limits_{i = 1}^{N}\; {{S(i)}}^{2}}} & {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 1}\end{matrix}$

Where S(i) represents the amplitude of each sub-signal in Volt (V),where N represents the number of EMF sub-signals, and where Powerrepresents the energy level of the combined EMF input signal. Typicallythe energy level is provided in decibel (dB) or in dBm.

The identifying module 203 depicted in FIG. 4 receives each sub-signalfrom the processing module 202 together with the EMF data of each EMFsub-signal. These EMF data include, inter alia, their respective energylevel and their respective frequencies. The identifying module 203 isadapted to associate each EMF sub-signal to an EMFS 905 by using thosedata. In other word, the identification module 203 matches the detectedEMF data of each sub-signals with predetermined EMF data representingeach EMFS 905. Table 1 that follows illustrates a number of frequenciesthat represent an indication of the type of detected EMFS 905.

TABLE 1 Description Frequency EMFS VLF - Very Low and 3-30 kHz Powerline, common ELF Extremely Low appliances LF - Low 30-300 kHz MF -Medium 300-3000 kHz AM, FM radio HF - High 3-30 MHz VHF - Very High30-300 MHz Television UHF - Ultrahigh 300-3000 MHz Television UHF SHF -Super high 3-30 GHz EHF - Extremely High 30-300 GHz Infrared (IR) 1-500THz Heat, fire Visible Light 500-750 THz Visible object Ultraviolet (UV)0.75-100 THz Sun exposition X-rays 0.1-10 × 10¹⁸ Hz Dentist x-ray Gammarays >10 × 10¹⁸ Hz Nuclear radiation

As it can be appreciated from Table 1.1 above, the frequencies of thedetected EMF input sub-signals give a good indication of the type ofEMFS 905 that is received. For example, when a sub-signal fundamentalfrequency is about 60 Hz, the identification of the EMFS 905 asoriginating from a common appliances commonly found around the house ora power line EMFS 905 can be inferred. However, since the identificationof the EMFS 905 is made with only one parameter, the identification isprovided with a percentage of probability. Initially the EMF datadetected will give only an indication about the possible EMFS 905.Eventually, as more EMF data is collected, the identification of theEMFS 905 will be made with a better accuracy and the probability thatthe identification is correct will significantly increase (perhaps closeto 100%).

Alternatively, the identifying module 203 may utilize a digital decoderadapted to decode an electronic signature for each sub-signal in orderto identify their respective EMFS 905. For example, the electronicsignature identification may include the name of a radio station.

It will become apparent to those skilled in the art that the EMF inputsignal may also include electric fields alone or magnetic fields alone.The necessary adaptation will therefore be made to the receiving modulein order to detect those fields separately.

The EMFDD Associated with or Embedded in an EMFDA

Digital Processing and GPS Location

FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of the device according to the presentinvention, wherein the EMFDD 200 is embedded in an EMFDA 211.Additionally, an auxiliary antenna 1000 (or many auxiliary antennas) maybe provided to improve signals reception. Each auxiliary antennapreferably includes at least a connecting module 1004 adapted toestablish a communication link with the EMFDA 211.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary embodiment the EMFDA 211 in a mobilephone 42. A plurality of modules 300 are embedded inside a mobile phone42. The modules for the EMFDD 200 are shown within a dotted line forclarity.

The receiving module 201 includes therein the antenna of the mobilephone 42 of the present embodiment and is adapted for sensing EMFradiation. The receiving module 201 is responsible for sensing the EMFradiation in order to provide an EMF input signal to the processingmodule 202. The processing module 202 includes the processor of themobile phone 42. Alternatively, or additionally, the processing module202 may include a distinct digital signal processor (DSP) inside themobile phone 42. The processing module 202 may include decodingcomponents to decode encoded EMF input signals with several types ofdecoding methods. The processing module 202 is responsible forseparating the EMF input signal into a plurality of EMF sub-signals andfor determining the energy level of each sub-signal.

The identifying module 203 illustrated on FIG. 6 includes switching andselecting components adapted to identify an EMFS 905 for each EMF inputsignal provided by the processing module 202. The identifying module 203is responsible for providing identification data such as the location ofthe EMFS 905, the type of EMFS 905 or the signal signature of the EMFS905 of each of the EMF input signal, whenever such identification ispossible. Otherwise, the EMF input signal is identified as an unknownEMFS 905.

Additionally, the mobile phone 42 can illustratively provide a memory(or any kind of suitable memory means) for implementing the storingmodule 306, a keyboard for implementing the inputting module 308, a LCDdisplay for implementing the outputting module 309, and a lithiumrechargeable battery for implementing the powering module 310.Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment, the mobile phone 42 isprovided with a GPS receiver for implementing the locating module 304and a calendar-clock component for implementing the timing module 303.Each of these modules can include additional component(s), which mightalready be present in the exemplary mobile phone 42, or are embeddedinto the mobile phone 42 by specific customization thereto. For example,the powering module 310 may include a power transformer that convertsthe voltage of the power grid to an appropriate voltage for each modulethat requires power. Or, the GPS could be an add-on module to the mobilephone 42.

The GPS receiver implementing the locating module 304 of the presentembodiment is responsible for providing the longitude, the latitude, thepointing direction of the locating module 304 and altitude of the EMFDD200 when a detection event occurs. Alternatively, or additionally, thelocation of the EMFDD 200 can be defined by a predetermined locationstored into the storage module 306. The bearing of the EMFDD 200 canalso be material in the determination in advance of EMFs to beencountered along a specific travel direction.

Finally, the illustrative mobile phone 42 provides a serial port, a USBport or a wireless expansion port such as an infrared communicationport, or a Bluethooth™ communication port for implementing theconnecting module 307. The connecting module 307 is adapted to receiveoptional auxiliary antenna(s) 1000 connected to the mobile phone withthe auxiliary antenna connecting module 1004. The purpose of thoseauxiliary antenna(s) 1000 is, inter alia, to expand the bandwidth ofdetectable EMF frequencies.

In operation, modules of the mobile phone 42 illustrated in FIG. 6 sendsand receive data via a system bus 123 such as the one illustrated inFIG. 3. The processing module 202 reads a set of predefined instructionsstored in the storing module 306 and performs predefined actions in apredetermined sequence.

We turn now to FIG. 7 that illustrates in more details the receivingmodule 201 in accordance with the present illustrative embodiment. Thesensing module 401 senses the EMF radiation using, for instance, theantenna of the mobile phone 42. The sensing module 401 is responsiblefor providing an analogical signal representing the EMF input signal404. The EMF input signal is then sampled using a converting module 402.The converting module 402 samples and quantisizes the EMF input signal404 to convert the EMF input signal 404 into a bit stream signal 405representing the EMF input signal 404. Next, the digitalsignal-processing module 403 applies a digital algorithm such as aDiscrete-Time Fourier Transform (DTFT), preferably a Fast FourierTransform (FFT) algorithm, to the sampled and quantizes EMF input signal405. The digital signal-processing module 403 separates the sampled andquantisized EMF input signal 405 into a plurality of sub-signal(s) inthe frequency domain. Each EMF sub-signal is associated with acorresponding frequency, or frequency band. In other words, the digitalsignal-processing module 403 provides a power spectrum of the sampledand quantisized EMF input signal 405. Furthermore, the digitalsignal-processing module 403 determines the energy level of eachfrequency, or frequency band, according to the equation (1) above. Thepower spectrum follows the equation of the Fourier Transform given inequation (2) below:

$\begin{matrix}{{{{PowerSpectrum}({jw})} = {\int_{- \infty}^{\infty}{{S(t)}e^{- {jw}}{dt}}}}\ } & {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 2}\end{matrix}$

Wherein the Power Spectrum in the frequency domain corresponds to aseries of bins at the frequency of each sub-signal. Although equation(2) is given in the analogical form of the Fourier transform, peopleskilled in the art will understand that the exemplary embodiment usesthe discrete Fourier transform.

When the EMF input signal is not encoded, such as the EMF of a commonappliance, the EMF input signal is divided into a plurality ofsub-signals using various frequencies. For instance, after the FFTalgorithm is applied to the digitized EMF input signal 405, sub-signalsare represented by bins in the frequency domain 407. Those binsrepresent a range of frequencies depending on the frequency resolutionof the FFT algorithm. Only the bins having an energy level greater thana predetermined level will be considered active. A band-pass filter maybe used to divide the EMF input signal into a plurality of sub-signal.

On the other hand, people skilled in the art will appreciate that theprocessing module 202 may comprises a decoder that will separate the EMFinput signal into a plurality of EMF sub-signal corresponding with theirrespective EMFS 905 by decoding each EMF sub-signal. The digitalsignal-processing module 403 may therefore decode the EMF input signalaccording to the encoding and encryption of the EMF sub-signal(s). Manyencoding standards are designed to use the bandwidth effectively andtherefore each EMF sub-signal may be sharing a frequency or may bespreaded over a frequency band. These standards of coding for multipleaccesses include, but are not limited to, frequency division multipleaccess (FDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), code divisionmultiple access (CDMA).

FIG. 8 further illustrates the identifying module 203 which matches eachEMF sub-signal data with predefined EMFS 905, 502 data for providing anidentification of the EMFS 905. Alternatively the switching identifyingmodule 501 may uses EMFS 905 data in a reference database 503, in viewof identifying the respective EMFS 905 of each sub-signal. Theidentifying module 203 may also use other EMF data such as the date andtime at a detection event provided by the timing module 303. Theidentifying module 203 may also use the geographical location (position)of the detection event provided by the locating module 304. Theswitching identifying module 501 is illustratively a switching componentthat is responsible for choosing a component suitable for identificationof the EMFS 905.

FIG. 9 is directed to the locating module 304, which matches each EMFsub-signal data with predefined GPS data 506 for providing a location ofthe EMFS 905. Alternatively the switching locating module 304 may usesEMFS 905 data in a reference locating database 507, in view ofidentifying the respective location of each sub-signal. The locatingmodule 304 may also use other EMF data such as the date and time at adetection event provided by the timing module 303. The identifyingmodule 203 may also use the geographical location (position) of thedetection event provided by the locating module 304. The switchingidentifying module 501 is illustratively a switching component that isresponsible for choosing a component suitable for identification of theEMFS 905.

The EMFDD Separated from EMFDA

Analogical Receiving and Triangulation Location

FIG. 10 illustrates an alternative embodiment of EMFDD 200, where theEMFDD 200 is separated from the EMFDA 905. In the present illustrativeembodiment, the EMFDA 211 is a desktop computer 48. The EMFDD 200 isconnected to the EMFDA 211 through a connecting module 602. The EMFDD200 is adapted to communicate with the desktop computer 48 via a link602 such as a wireless Bluethooth™ or a serial cable 602. An auxiliaryantenna 1000 may be provided to expand the readable frequency range ofthe embodiment of the EMFDD 200. They are connected with their ownconnecting module 1004 (e.g. cable, socket, other).

FIG. 11 illustrates the external EMFDD 200 implemented in a housingshaped as a USB key-like format. This alternate embodiment of the EMFDD200 includes an external antenna 606 connected to the EMFDD 200, andconnects to the USB port of the desktop computer 48 via a USB connectionadaptor 609. The antenna 606 could be internal without departing fromthe scope of the invention. Communication via other connector types andother protocols are considered to be within the scope of the presentapplication despite they are not furthermore discussed herein.

FIG. 12 illustrates an alternate implementation of the receiving module201 illustrated on FIG. 4. The modules of FIG. 12 use analogicaltechnology for receiving and processing the EMF input signal(s). The EMFradiation induces a voltage, or a current, in a sensing module 401 thatis responsible for providing the EMF input signal 706. An analogicalamplifying module 703 then amplifies the EMF input signal 404 to providethe EMF amplified input signal 707. The amplified EMF input signal 707is then passed through a filtering module 704 that includes a band-passfilter that is tuned to a predetermined central frequency. The filteredanalogical signal 708 is then passed to the converting module 402 thatconverts the filtered analogical signal 708 into a bit stream 709representing the EMF sub-signal of the tuned pass-band filter centralfrequency.

The process will be repeated at different frequencies until each EMFsub-signal has been scanned. In other words, each EMF sub-signal will beseparated from the combined EMF input signal by tuning and filtering atthe frequency corresponding to each EMF sub-signal. The processingmodule 202 implemented inside the EMFDD 200 scans a predetermined bandof the EMF frequency spectrum, by tuning a central frequency of aband-pass filter, in a predetermined sequence in order to read each ofthe EMF sub-signal separately. The processing module will also includecomponent to determine the energy level of each EMF sub-signal. Only theEMF sub-signals with sensed activities would be further processed. Inother words, the energy level of the EMF sub-signal would have to begreater than a predetermined and tunable energy level to be consideredactive.

FIG. 13 illustrates different components of the identifying module 203.The switching identifying module 501 is responsible for selecting acomponent adapted to identify the EMFS 905. The identification of theEMFS 905 corresponding to each EMF sub-signals. In this alternateexemplary embodiment the identifying module uses a triangulationidentifying module 802 which is adapted to locate the EMFS 905.Alternatively the identification of the EMFS 905 can be provided by areference database 503 of EMFS 905.

The identifying module 501 comprises a triangulation identificationmodule 802 for determining the position of the EMFDD 200 by reading theelectronic signature of various known EMF emitters for instance. Theidentifying module 501 may also include a database 503 of the knownsources classified by the data of each EMFS 905. The identifying module501 may then use this EMFS 905 reference database to associate an EMFS905 for each of the EMF sub-signal received from the processing module202. Alternatively, or additionally, the identifying module 501 may usea Cell Tower triangulation technique embodied in the triangulationidentifying module 802 to identify the EMFS 905 location. Theidentifying module 801 may use a number of previously received EMFsub-signal. By using the determined energy level of this EMF sub-signaland the localization of the EMFDD 200 when these sub-signals werereceived to find the location of the EMFS 905.

This EMFS 905 reference database is adapted to be installed on a serverin a networked configuration. The EMFS 905 reference database includesinformation about known EMFS 905, wherein those EMFS 905 data can begathered and put in common by many other users or,also, put in place bya service provider.

FIG. 14 illustrates different components of the locating module 304. Theswitching locating module 505 in the alternate embodiment may select atriangulation locating module 806 adapted to perform a triangulationmethod for providing the longitude, latitude and altitude of the EMFDD200 at a detection event. In other words, the triangulation locatingmodule 806 includes component adapted to locate the EMFDD 200 by mobilephone 42 cell tower triangulation method or equivalent processes.Alternatively, or additionally, the location of the EMFDD 200 can bedefined by a predetermined location, which is stored into a database507.

The EMFDA and EMFS

FIG. 15 illustrates a number of potential possible illustrative EMFDA900 such as: a watch 901, a pair of earring 902, a ring 903, a necklace904, a desktop computer 48, a laptop computer 40, and a mobile phone 42,a personal digital assistant (PDA) 36. The module of the EMFDD 200 maybe implemented into these EMFDA 800 as explained above for the firstillustrative embodiment. Or, the modules of the EMFDD 200 areimplemented separately from the EMFDA 211.

The EMFDA 905 of the first illustrative embodiment is adapted tocommunicate with the communication network using a cell tower 912 for awireless access to a server. Alternatively, like in the secondillustrative embodiment where the EMFDD 200 is built separately from theEMFDA 211, the EMFDA 211 can be connected via Ethernet 913 to a routerthat will connect the EMFDA 211 with the communication network 30.Either embodiments may use a networked system 910 that includes anetwork server 14 adapted to host a database 32. Alternatively, a directlink 911 for testing purposes may be provided to connect the EMFDA 211with the network server 14.

FIG. 15 also illustrates a number of exemplary EMFS 905 such as acomputer screen 34, a wi-fi device 906, a microwave oven 907, a celltower 908, and an electrical power line 909.

Auxiliary Antenna

The EMFDD 200 receiving module 201 comprises at least one antenna. Inthe case where the EMFDD 200 is embedded into an EMFDA 211 the EMFDD 200can optionally use the antenna of the EMFDA 211. On the other hand, inan alternate embodiment, where the EMFDD 200 is outside the EMFDA 211,the EMFDD 200 is provided with its own antenna 606. However, auxiliaryantennas 1000 are optionally provided and are adapted to properlycooperate with each embodiment. These auxiliary antennas 1000 willextend the range of frequency and type of fields that can be detectedwith the EMFDD 200.

FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an auxiliary antenna1000. The example illustrates a dipole antenna 1001 depicted by a pairof extending element in V-shape configuration for sensing the EMF. Theexemplary embodiment of the auxiliary antenna 1000 also illustrates aloop antenna 1002 for sensing the EMF. The connection component 1004 ofthe illustrative auxiliary antenna 1000 may be used to connect to theEMFDA 211 external port-connecting module 307 or directly to the EMFDD200. Each antenna is connected to the auxiliary antenna housing 1003 inthe present embodiment. Typically, the kind of auxiliary antenna 1000depicted in FIG. 16 is referred to as rabbit ears antenna and it isknown for receiving television frequencies. Several other types ofauxiliary antennas are contemplated herein such as satellite dishantenna, yagi harmonic antenna, roof top antenna etc.

FIG. 17 illustrates an EMFDD 200 receiving an EMF input signal that ismade of a plurality of EMF sub-signal(s) emitted from three differentEMFS 905 in this case represented by numbers 1101,1102 and 1103. FIG. 17depicts a dipole antenna 1001. The dipole antenna 1001 is adapted to beinduced by electric fields portions of the EMF waves. Typically, thedipole antenna 1001 length is a fraction of the wave length of the EMFinput signal.

FIG. 18 illustrates an EMFDD 200 using a loop antenna 1002 for detectingEMF input signal from several EMFS 905 in this case represented by thenumbers 1105, 1106 and 1107. The loop antenna 1002 is typically used forextremely low frequency (ELF) signals such as the one found in the powerdistribution grid or for ultra high frequency signal such as UHFtelevision station. Whenever the use of a dipole antenna would not bepractical because of the size of the necessary dipole antenna to detectsuch frequency.

The use of other type of auxiliary antenna 1000 are also contemplated,such as satellite dish for detecting the satellite frequencies, Geigermeter for radioactivity, yagi harmonic antenna, roof top antennasadapted for receiving and transmitting with more power than permitted bya mobile handset etc.

Network Configuration

A plurality of EMFDDs 200 may be arranged in a network configuration.The plurality of devices may then cover a wide region such as abuilding, a neighborhood, a city, a state or a county, among otherplaces. Each of the EMFDDs 200 may be configured to gather EMF data andbe adapted to associate to those EMF data a date-time measure and ageographical coordinate. The plurality of devices may be configured togather data automatically or on demand. The received EMF data may thenbe transmitted to a server 14 adapted to host a database 30 adapted tostore the EMF data. Such a server 14 and database 30 are adapted tostore EMF data for an extended period of time such as a day, a month oreven many years. Each EMFDD 200 that gathers EMF data provides itsunique identification code and its location data in absolute coordinatesin addition to the date-time stamp therewith. As previously mentioned,one possible manner for locating an EMFDD 200 is to use a globalpositioning system (GPS) therein or therewith. The GPS componentreceives a location data from relevant satellites providing thelongitude, the latitude and the altitude of the EMFDD 200. Anotherexample of locator module would be the location components of a mobilephone 42 using, for example, cell towers triangulation. By usingabsolute coordinates for location, the server 14 can be moved anddoesn't have to be in proximity of any of the EMFDDs 200 connectedtherewith and arranged in a network thereof since the location does notdepend on the distance from the server 14. In operation, the EMFDA 211shown in FIG. 15 communicates data via a wired or a wirelesscommunication network 30. In the event no GPS is available ortriangulation is not possible, or if the EMFDA 211 is stationary, thegeographical location can be manually entered.

The detected EMF sub-signals and their respective EMF data, such asfrequency, energy level, date-time of detection event, location of theEMFDD 200 for each detection event and identification of the EMFS 905,etc. are stored in a format adapted to be shared through a networkcomprising many EMFDDs 200. In particular, a unique identificationnumber for each EMFDD 200 will be associated and stored with the EMF'srecorded data, for each detected event.

Detected EMF data will be compared and, when possible, correspond to theknown EMFS 905 data in a reference database for identifying eachsub-signal associated with the EMFS 905. The identification of the EMFS905 may be based on a limited amount of positively corresponding data.For that reason, a percentage of probability will be assigned to theidentification of each EMFS 905. A percentage of probability can beassigned to each EMFS 905 identification with a mechanism similar to thepercentage of relevance used by some web search engines. For instance,when the EMFDD 200 identifying module 203 determines that an EMFS 905might be a microwave oven based only on the frequency of the receivedEMF input signal, the EMFDD 200 will indicate a percentage ofprobability that the identification is accurate. This probability willbe low if only some EMF data successfully correspond with relevantmicrowave oven typical EMFS 905 data on record. On the other hand, ifthe EMF input signal contains a signed signal, the probability of a goodidentification would be close to 100%. For instance, a high voltagetransmission line will have a specific EMF signature and, whenassociated with a GPS location, the probability that a sensed EMFS 905having this precise signature at this precise location will be ratherhigh if not reaching 100% accuracy.

The EMFDD in Use

The EMFDD 200 may be secured on a belt or carried around the wrist of auser. In case where the EMFDD 200 in embedded in jewelry, the personwears the EMFDD 200 like a normal jewelry such as a pair of earrings180, a necklace 182 or a watch 179 among other possible objects.

When a plurality of EMFDD 200 is arranged in a wide area network (WAN),the server 14 may be configured to poll each EMFDD 200 one by one or insimultaneously real time. In other circumstances, the EMFDD 200 would beon stand-by mode and wait to receive an activating signal from thenetwork-based server 14 to gather the EMF data and to transmit resultsto the network-based server 14. The EMFDD 200 can also be programmed towork periodically, at particular time periods, in specific geographicallocations or only when a predetermined EMF level threshold is reached.In other cases, the antenna or the EMFDD 200 will be provided with alocally accessible memory that will allow them to gather EMF data evenwhen the network-based server 14 is down or simply out of reach.Alternatively, each EMFDD 200 can download the collected dataautomatically when they can efficiently do it via any kind of network toperiodically send the data to the server and thus clear their respectivememory.

In operation, three or more EMFDDs 200 can act as base points fortriangulation calculation for assessing the EMF energy level between theEMFDDs 200. For example, when the location of three EMFDD 200 areassociated with EMF data and are not on the same line, the EMF energylevel can be calculated at a point somewhere in the imaginary plancreated by lines connecting the (three) locations of the EMFDDs 200. Agraphical representation, like a map, can be drawn with contour linesrepresenting the EMF energy level at that location, like contour linesrepresenting heights on topographical maps. The map thus created canalso include, or be superposed to, mapping of other data, like, forinstance, and not limited to, the location of mobile phonebase-stations, the location of the EMFS 905, and the location of theEMFDDs 200 in a city or any other places. Streets, houses, and othersuitable information can be added to the map to ensure properappreciation of the EMF in respect to known locations. Satellite imagesand road view pictures/clips can also optionally be added as layers.

In network-based embodiment(s), the network-based server 14 may beaccessible with a WEB interface and may illustratively, but notnecessarily limited to, use a TCP/IP protocol to transfer the EMF data.The server may control the predetermined maximum threshold of EMF energylevel and the maximum EMF exposition time. A WEB based application willallow the user to enter EMF data related to the EMFDD 200 and related tothe EMFS 905. The data related to the EMFS 905 will facilitate theidentification of the EMFS 905 and facilitate the assessment of eachEMFS 905 contribution to the overall EMF exposition. The EMF data wouldthen be analyzed and compared to EMF data stored in databases 30 ofnetwork-based server 14. The identification of the EMFS 905 may be madeby comparing the result with EMF data or EMFS 905 data provided by apaid service or entered by users in an electronic database 30 indexedwith time, the EMF frequency, the EMF recordation location and thestrength of the detected EMF data. Different algorithms may thenidentify the EMFS 905 associated with each EMF sub-signal.Alternatively, or additionally, a signal signature such as the name of atelevision channel or radio station may be detected in the EMF inputsignal.

The EMF data received would preferably be secured on the paid providerside in order to prevent tampering with the received EMF data. Userswill be able to log into the WEB application and be allowed to see theEMF exposition between different EMF data on record. The EMF data willbe analyzed using methods such as interpolation in function of thelocation or in function of the date and time of detection. In otherwords, the user will be capable to see the energy level variation on amap and over time (a bit like weather forecasts satellite images).Therefore, the user can known in advance how much EMF exposure can beexpected at a certain location on the map even if detected events wererecorded around the precise desired location and not exactly at thespecific location. Similarly, the user will be allowed to know theexposure at a specific moment in time by interpolation of detectionevents that happened about the specific time, even if no EMF detectionevent occurred at that time.

Database for Identifying the EMFS

The EMFDD 200 may use a database of references containing data about theEMFS 905. Such databases can be filled using information directlyprovided by manufacturers of appliances such as manufacturers ofmicrowave ovens or manufacturers of mobile phone, or informationprovided by electricity companies using a grid to distribute power. Inthe later case, the information may include EMF data relating to thelocation of the power lines, the location of relay stations, etc. TheEMF data relating to the EMFS 905 can also come from the mobile phonecompany that would provide data about the localization of the cellularphone base-station. Another possible source of EMFS 905 information canbe the web site of the federal communication commission (“FCC”) whichprovide the location of cell tower depending on the area the userselects. Many countries have such organization that regulates the use ofthe frequency spectrum. It is realistic that governments might obligecompanies to put EMF related data in such a database based on therapidly growing concerns about EMF exposition.

EMF Data Threshold

EMF threshold data may be established according to studies that givemaximum EMF radiation exposure acceptable in a type of work, industry orby international and national health care organizations. An exemplarymeasure is the Specific Absorption Rate, commonly refer to as SAR thatis a standardized measure of EMF exposition. Manufacturer of mobilephone and personal digital assistant (PDA) must comply with a certainlevel of SAR exposure and will perform the required tests according tostandardized procedure. This allows the public to compare apparatusesthat radiate EMF. SAR is a measure that is in function of the weight ofa person and a measure in Watt/kg. A standard measure for the electricalfield is given in Volt/meters (V/m) while a standard measure forexposure to EMF is given in Watt/square meters (W/m²). Examples of suchthreshold EMF data, provided by ICNIRP studies(www.icnirp.org/documents/emfgdl/pdf) incorporated herein by reference,are given in the following Table 2, Table 3 and Table 4:

TABLE 2 Basic restrictions for time varying electric and magnetic fieldsfor frequencies up to 10 GHz. Current density for Whole-body LocalizedSAR Exposure head and trunk average SAR (head and trunk) Localized SARcharacteristics Frequency range (mA m⁻²) (rms) (W kg⁻¹) (W kg⁻¹) (limbs)(W kg⁻¹) Occupational up to 1 Hz 40 — — — exposure 1-4 Hz 40/f — — — 4Hz-1 kHz 10 — — — 1-100 kHz f/100 — — — 100 kHz-10 MHz f/100 0.4  10 2010 MHz-10 GHz — 0.4  10 20 General public up to 1 Hz  8 — — — exposure1-4 Hz  8/f — — — 4 Hz-1 kHz  2 — — — 1-100 kHz f/500 — — — 100 kHz-10MHz f/500 0.08  2  4 10 MHz-10 GHz — 0.08  2  4

TABLE 3 Reference levels for occupational exposure to time-varyingelectric and magnetic fields (unperturbed rms values) E-field strengthH-field strength B-field Equivalent plane wave Frequency range (V m⁻¹)(A m⁻¹) (μT) power density S_(eq) (W m⁻²) up to 1 Hz — 1.63 × 10³   2 ×10³ — 1-8 Hz 20,000 1.63 × 10³/f²   2 × 10³/f² — 8-25 Hz 20,000   2 ×10⁴/f 2.5 × 10⁴/f — 0.025-0.82 kHz 500/f  20/f  25/f — 0.82-65 kHz 61024.4 30.7 — 0.065-1 MHz 610  1.6/f 2.0/f — 1-10 MHz 610/f  1.6/f 2.0/f —10-400 MHz 61  0.16  0.2 10 400-2,000 MHz 3f^(1/2)  0.008f^(1/2) 0.01f^(1/2) f/40 2-300 GHz 137  0.36  0.45 50

TABLE 4 Reference levels for general public exposure to time-varyingelectric and magnetic fields (unperturbed rms values) E-field strengthH-field strength B-field Equivalent plane wave Frequency range (V m⁻¹)(A m⁻¹) (μT) power density S_(eq) (W m⁻²) up to 1 Hz — 3.2 × 10⁴ 4 × 10⁴— 1-8 Hz 10,000 3.2 × 10⁴/f² 4 × 10⁴/f² — 8-25 Hz 10,000 4,000/f 5,000/f— 0.025-0.8 kHz 250/f    4/f    5/f — 0.8-3 kHz 250/f 5 6.25 — 3-150 kHz   87 5 6.25 — 0.15-1 MHz    87  0.73/f  0.92/f — 1-10 MHz  87/f^(1/2) 0.73/f  0.92/f — 10-400 MHz    28 0.073 0.092  2 400-2,000 MHz   1.375f^(1/2) 0.0037f^(1/2) 0.0046f^(1/2) f/200 2-300 GHz    61 0.160.20 10

Different scientific bases were used in the development of basicexposure restrictions for various frequency ranges: Between 1 Hz and 10MHz, basic restrictions are provided on current density to preventeffects on nervous system functions; Between 100 kHz and 10 GHz, basicrestrictions on SAR are provided to prevent whole-body heat stress andexcessive localized tissue heating; in the 100 kHz-10 MHz range,restrictions are provided on both current density and SAR; and Between10 and 300 GHz, basic restrictions are provided on power density toprevent excessive heating in tissue at or near the body surface. In viewof the safety considerations above, it was decided that, for frequenciesin the range 4 Hz to 1 kHz, occupational exposure should be limited tofields that induce current densities less than 10 mA m, i.e., to use asafety factor of 10. For the general public an additional factor of 5 isapplied, giving a basic exposure restriction of 2 mA m.

Illustrative Applications and Results

FIG. 19 illustrates a contour map 1200 showing the location of EMFDDs200 and EMFSs 905. The legend 1205 indicates that the square-shapedsymbols 1202 represent the location of various EMFDDs 200 and thetriangular-shaped symbols 1201 represent the EMFS 905. In bothembodiments this map could be displayed in a WEB application. The usermay login the application and transfer data about the EMFSs 905. Thesystem may be similar to the one used by Google earth(http://earth.google.com/), where users can upload information thereinabout EMFSs 905 by, for instance, selecting symbols on the map. Thedialog such as illustrative EMFS 905 dialog 1204 opens to enterinformation about the EMFS 905 at that specific location. One purpose ofthis system is to provide information that will be used by theidentifying module 203 of the EMFDD 200. Alternatively, the upload couldbe automatic and information from EMFDDs 200 are automatically uploadedto collect a maximum of information in real time. This process can beinvisible to the user of the EMFDD 200. Also, the user can enter itsdata about location and identity in an EMFDD 200. The user may enterinformation about a EMFDD 200 by clicking the appropriate EMFDD 200symbol. A EMFDD 200 dialog 1206 will open accordingly.

Many detected EMF sub-signals and other detected EMF data associatedtherewith can be put in common among a large number of subscriberstherefore creating a more precise image of the EMFS 905 reality in one'senvironment. A user can then log into the WEB application and see thedifferent contour lines 1203 representing similar EMF energy levels.Those lines will be drawn over a road map of a city for example.Consequently, the user can determined what kind of EMF exposure can befound at different location and at a specific time of the day. In otherwords, the EMF energy level can be interpolated between the differentEMFDD 200 detection events. The server 14 may also determine the EMFenergy level contour lines by using algorithms that calculate EMF energylevels using the location, time and type of EMFS 905. For instance,contour lines may depict the EMF radiation pattern next to a mobilephone tower.

FIG. 20 illustrates the power spectrum 1300 of an EMF input signalseparated into a plurality of EMF sub-signals. Each peak 1301 representsthe EMF energy level of an EMF sub-signal received at that frequency, orfrequencies, range. It is to be noted that a sub-signal detected at aspecific frequencies can represent, for example, different televisionbroadcasters or radio stations in another city. This is possible becausetransmitting antennas have limited power of transmission and thereforethey cover only a limited area. In United States for instance, thefederal communication commission (FCC) (http://www.fcc.gov/) is theorganization responsible of allocating frequencies telecommunicationcompanies. We can find information about the frequency allocated in anarea by logging into the FCC web site, browsing to the antennainformation page and typing a location like New York city or Los Angelesinto their WEB application. This type of data can be uploaded in the EMFdatabase of the present invention and be used improve the precision ofthe analysis made and provide more tangible information to users.

With this in mind, the identifying module 203 must take into accountthat the EMFS 905 have a limited range. Consequently, EMF sub-signalwith the same frequency may come from a different EMFS 905 depending onthe area where they were detected. Because EMFS 905 have a limitedamount of energy to transmit, the area they cover is limited.Consequently, the same frequencies in Los Angeles can be associated to adifferent EMFS 905 in New York city. To illustrate that theidentification of EMFS 905 depends of the location of the EMFDD 200 whenthe EMF detection is made. FIG. 21 illustrates the same energy peak 1303with a different identification (same as peak 1301 in FIG. 20. As can beappreciated, FIG. 20 illustrates a first power spectrum 1300 that isrecorded, for example, in New York city, on Mar. 3, 2008, at 5 PM sharp,at location 34 N latitude and 118 W longitude, 10 meters altitude, whileFIG. 21 illustrates a very similar power spectrum 1302 but this timetaken in Los Angeles.

FIG. 22 illustrates an exemplary output screen 1400 showing the powerspectrum 1405 of an EMF input signal where peaks 1406 represent activeEMF sub-signal(s) at different frequencies. The dotted lines 1401, 1402represent predetermined threshold values for the maximum energy levelreceived. These limits may trigger an alarm to warn the user of apossible EMF overexposure or begin active recording of EMFS andtransmit, in real time or delayed, the recorded data to the network tobe shared and analyzed. Threshold limit 1401 is the maximum value wherethe instantaneous energy level becomes dangerous. The second limit 1402which is typically lower represents the amount of EMF exposure thatcould be problematic if the user stays exposed thereof for apredetermined amount of time. Columns of different patterns 1403represent the quantity of the energy level forming this energy levelpeak. Since many encoding method will share the same frequency thisdisplay allows the user to know how much each sub-signal contributes toa precise energy level peak. The legend 1404 illustrates the patterncorresponding to each EMF sub-signal.

In operation, when the EMFDD 200 detects an energy level greater thanthe EMF exposition limits 1402, a timer starts and run until the EMFenergy level drop lower than the EMF exposition limit 1402. If the EMFenergy level drop below the EMF exposure limits 1402 before apredetermined time the timer is reset. Conversely, if the EMF energylevel does not drop under the EMF exposition limit 1402 before thepredetermined time of exposure expires an alarm will be generated. Thealarm will indicate over exposure to EMF energy level for apredetermined amount of time. The calculation of the duration of anexposition to an above exposition limit can also be material indetermining the amount of EMF received and be used by the algorithmsdiscussed above. A loop memory can be used to continuously record EMFSand overwrite new data until a threshold is reached and the data is kept(it might be for a predetermined period of time before the threshold isreached to keep good track of what happened during the period of timebefore the threshold is reached).

Exemplary Methods

We turn now to FIG. 23 in which a block diagram illustrates a number ofsteps. The method starts with the step of receiving the EMF input signal1501, the method continues to the step of separating the EMF inputsignal into a plurality of sub-signal 1502. The method continues withthe step of determining the energy level of each sub-signal 1503 andfinally the method performs the step of identifying the EMFS 1504.

In step 1502, the processing module 202 processes the EMF input signal,using, for example, a signal processing technique such as a Fast FourierTransform (“FFT”). The FFT may be executed on the EMF input signal at apredetermined time interval. The time interval may be every 5 ms. TheFFT divides the EMF input signal into a predetermined number of binshaving a predetermined resolution. Each bin represents a respective EMFsub-signal. Although each bins can further contains a plurality of EMFsub-signal coded at the same frequency range those EMF sub-signals willrequire further decoding to be identified.

In step 1503, the energy level of each bin is determined using theamplitude of a portion of the sub-signal. Those skilled in the artunderstand that the EMF energy level is proportional to each EMFsub-signal combined at that frequency. Therefore, the amplitude at thatfrequency may represent the energy level contribution of a plurality ofEMFS 905. The step of identifying the sub-signal at that frequency willprovide the information needed to assign a percentage of the EMF energylevel received from different EMFS 905 at that precise frequency.

In step 1504, the identifying step tries to decode a signal signaturefor each sub-signal. If no signal signature is decoded, the identifyingstep will perform a search into a reference database of EMFS 905containing the EMFS 905 data of a plurality of EMFS 905. If a similaritybetween the detected EMF sub-signal data and the EMFS 905 data in thedatabase is found, the identification of the EMFS is made with apercentage of probability. In other words, if the step of identifyingthe EMFS 905 only correlate one EMF data, the identification is lessreliable than when the identification was done with a plurality ofcorrelated EMF data in relation with the EMFS 905 data. A percentagereflecting the probability of a correct identification is thereforeprovided.

FIG. 24 illustrates a method analogous to the method illustrated in FIG.23 related to the process described above, except that this time theseparating step of 1502 from FIG. 23 is explained in more details and isperformed in a digital mode. The step of receiving the EMF input signal1501 remains the same, however, the following step converts the EMFinput signal 1602 (i.e. to digitize the EMF analogical input signal).That step is done by a step of sampling the EMF input device at apredetermined sampling rate and quantisizing the EMF input data isperformed in a subsequent step. The following step applies aDiscrete-Time Fourier Transform to the digitized EMF input signal 1603.The next step separates the bins representing the sub-signals by adigital filter 1604. Then, the separated EMF sub-signals are processedto determine the energy level of each sub-signals 1503. Finally,sub-signal data, such as the frequency of the bins corresponding to eachEMF sub-signal and their corresponding EMF energy level, moves to thefinal step of identifying the EMFS that has provided each sub-signals1504.

FIG. 25 illustrates method analogous to the two previously describedmethods, with the difference that this time the method is performed inan analogical mode. Therefore, the first step consisting of receivingthe EMF input signal 1501 remains unchanged, however, instead ofconverting the analogical EMF input signal into a digital signal like wedid on 1602, the EMF input signal is filtered at a predeterminedfrequency 1702. A plurality of EMF sub-signals are provided by the stepof scanning a frequency range 1703 that will repeatedly call the tuningstep 1702 to filter all the requested frequency for separating the EMFsub-signal(s) from the EMF input signal. Each filtered EMF sub-signalswill go through the determining energy level step 1503. Each sub-signaldata, such as the frequency and the energy level, will be go through thestep of identifying the EMFS 1504.

FIG. 26 illustrates further steps for tuning 1702 and scanning 1703 arange of frequencies as depicted in FIG. 25. The method of FIG. 26begins with the step of determining whether the radio/TV frequency rangeshould be scanned or not 1801. If the answer is yes, the methodcontinues to block 1802 where the step of tuning to a plurality of radioand TV frequency range 1802 is performed. The method continues to thedetermination of logical block 1803. If the answer is no, the methodcontinues to the determination of logical block 1803. The methodcontinues with the step of making a determination as to whether theWI-FI/WiMax frequency range should be scanned or not 1803. If the answeris yes, the method continues to block 1804 where the step of tuning to aplurality of WI-FI/WiMax frequencies 1804 is performed. After that stepthe method continues to the determination of logical block 1805. If theanswer is no, the method continues to the determination of block 1807.The method continues with the step of making a determination as towhether the mobile/cellular phone frequency range should be scanned ornot 1805. If the answer is yes, the method continues to block 1806 wherethe step of scanning the mobile phone frequency range 1806 is performed.After that step, the method continues to the determination of logicalblock 1807. If the answer is no, the method continues to thedetermination of block 1809. The method continues with the step ofmaking a determination as to whether the satellite frequency rangeshould be scanned or not 1807. If the answer is yes, the methodcontinues to block 1808 where the step of tuning the filter to aplurality of satellite frequencies 1808 is performed. After that stepthe method continues to the determination of logical block 1809 with thestep of making a determination as to whether the microwaves frequencyrange should be scanned or not. If the answer is no, the method ends. Ifthe answer is yes, the method continues to block 1810 where the step oftuning to the frequencies of the microwaves 1810 is performed.

FIG. 27 illustrates a method adapted to be carried out by an embodimentof the identifying module 203 (illustrated on FIG. 4). The method startswith the step of determining whether a signal signature exists or not1901. If the answer is yes, the method continues to block 1902 where thestep of decoding that signal signature 1902 is performed. After thatstep the method continues to the determination of block 1903. If theanswer is no, the method continues to the determination of block 1903.The method continues with the step of making a determination as towhether the frequency of the sub-signal is known or not 1903. If theanswer is yes, the method continues to block 1904 where the step ofidentifying the EMFS by matching the frequencies stored in the database1904 is performed. After that step, the method continues with thedetermination of block 1905. If the answer is no, the method continueswith the determination of block 1905. The method continues with the stepof making a determination as to whether the position of the EMFDD, whenthe EMFS detection occurred, is known or not 1905. If the answer is yes,the method continues to block 1906 where the step of identifying theEMFS is performed by searching a database of known locations with theactual location of the EMFDD when the EMFS detection occurred 1906.After that step the method continues with the step of making adetermination as to whether the amplitude of the EMF input signal isknown or not 1907. If the answer is no, the method continues with thedetermination of block 1910. If the answer is yes, the method continuesto block 1908 where the step of identifying the EMFS is performed bysearching a database of known amplitudes (correlated with known sources)with the known recorded amplitudes 1908. After that step the methodcontinues to the determination of block 1910. If the answer is no, themethod continues with the step of making a determination as to whetherthe date and time of the detection of the EMF data is known or not 1910.If the answer is yes, the method continues to block 1911 where the stepof identifying the EMFS is performed by searching a database with thedate and time as reference values 1911. After that step the methodcontinues to the step of block 1912. If the answer is no, the methodcontinues to the step of block 1909 illustrating the step of identifyingan unknown EMFS 1909 when no previous identification step has beensuccessful steps. The step of block 1912 is where the step of readingthe absolute value of EMF input signal amplitude is performed 1912. Themethod then reaches the step of the block 1913, in which an evaluationis made of the contribution of each EMFS to the total amplitude of thedetected EMF input signal.

FIG. 28 illustrates a method of identifying the EMFS 1504 includingfurther steps that will provide more data associated with each EMFsub-signal. This additional data, such as reading the location of thedetection event, is desirable for identifying the EMFS 905. The methodbegins with the step of determining whether the EMFDD 200 is portable ornot 2001. If the answer is yes, the method continues to block 2002 wherethe step of reading the geographical coordinates with the locator module2002 (illustratively by either a GPS receiver in an embodiment where theEMFDD 200 is embedded into the EMFDA 211 or by a triangulation methodwhen the EMFDD is separated from the EMFDA 211) is performed. Incontrast, if the answer is no, the method continues to the step ofreading the geographical coordinates in the database of predeterminedpossible locations 2003 of the EMFDD 200. The user can select from alist of possible locations. This exemplary method is

FIG. 29 illustrates the method of saving data locally when the EMFDD 200is not connected to a network and the eventual transmission of the EMFdata to a server when a connection is established. The method startswith the step of determining whether the EMFDD 200 is connected to thenetwork or not 2005. If the answer is yes, the EMF data is uploaded to adata server 2007 and then the method terminates. If the answer is no,the method continues to the step of recording the EMF data to a locallyaccessible storage module 2006, then the method continues to thedetermination of block 2008. The method continues with the step ofdetermining whether the EMFDD 200 is directly connected with the dataserver or not 2008. If the answer is yes, the method continues with thestep of transferring the data directly to the data server 2009 via aserial cable for example. If the answer is no, the method continues tothe determination block 2005 and repeat the sequence until the dataserver becomes available to the EMFDD 200.

FIG. 30 illustrates a method for storing the EMF sub-signal data. Themethod starts by the step of storing the EMF data 2101, then the methodcontinues with the step of storing the geographic coordinates of thedetection event 2102, then the method continues with the step of storingthe time and date of the detection event 2102.

FIG. 31 illustrates steps of an exemplary method of displaying the EMFDD200 detected EMF data and the EMFS 905 in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention. The method begins with the step of determiningwhether the text mode was selected or not 2201. If the answer is yes,the method continues to block 2202 where the step of presenting the EMFdata in text format 2202 is performed. If the answer is no, the methodcontinues with the determination of block 2203 as to whether thegraphical mode was selected or not 2203. If the answer is yes, themethod continues to block 2204 where the step of displaying the EMF datain graphic format 2204 is performed. If the answer is no, the methodcontinues with the step of making a determination as to whether thealarm mode is selected or not 2205. If the answer is yes, the methodcontinues to the determination blocks 2206 and then 2207. Conversely, ifthe answer is no in the determination block 2206, the method continuesto the determination of block 2211. A determination as to whether anamplitude threshold as been reached of not is made at block 2206. It theanswer is yes, the method continues to block 2208. If the answer is no,the method continues to the determination of block 2211. A determinationas to whether a duration threshold as been reached or not 2207 is madethe method reaches the determination block 2207. A determination is madeas to whether the sound mode is selected or not at the determination ofblock 2209. If the answer is yes, the method reaches the step of block2215 where a sound signal is generated 2215. If the answer is no, themethod continue to the block 2212 where the step of generating avibration signal is performed 2212. Alternatively, both a sound alarmand a vibration could be produced together depending on the choice ofthe user. In either case, the method continues with the step of making adetermination as to whether the electronic mode was selected or not2211. If the answer is yes, the method continues to the step of sendingan e-mail, a SMS or a voice message 2210 then the method reaches thedetermination block 2213. If the answer is no, the method continues withthe step of making a determination as to whether the visual mode wasselected or not 2213. If the answer is yes, the method continues to thestep of printing, faxing or displaying on screen 2214 is performed, andthen the method terminates. If the answer is no, the method terminates.

On a more user usability side, we are now referring to FIG. 32illustrating an exemplary EMF energy level exposure of Mr. J. Cutler.Based on EMF data collected with an embodiment of the present invention,treated and analyzed as suggested in the exemplary embodiments of thepresent document. The curve 2300 represents the total amount of EMFenergy level that has reached Mr. Cutler despite he had no cue he wassubjected to such EMFs. Mr. Cutler had an early life without too muchEMF exposure (A on the timeline). The technology progressively providedmore devices using EMFs and everything became more electrified. Mr.Cutler decided to rent an apartment in Montreal, Quebec, Canada at time(B). He did not think a minute that the building in which he was goingto live was equipped with mobile phone emitters/receptors thereon. Infact he thought that nothing could harm him. A significant increase inEMF Energy Level 2300 is experienced in his new apartment and mostlycaused by the mobile phone generated EMF 2310. At time (C) Mr. Cutlerbegan to feel less good, even sick, and received medical assistance tofigure out he had blood cancer (leukemia) and is strongly recommended toget away from armful EMFS—especially the ones associated with hisapartment. The rent is cheap and the location is convenient, Mr. Cutleris not one to listen anybody else but him but this time he felt so badthat he did move from this convenient apartment to a country house attime (D). The move had a positive effect and a drastic reduction of EMFEnergy Level is observed in FIG. 32. However, the beautiful countryhouse Mr. Cutler has bought is located next to high voltage power lines909 and a substantial amount of EMF 2320 is still reaching him (E) athis new place.

We do not know what happened next to Mr. Cutler but we are fortunate inthe present situation because Mr. Cutler has constantly wore an EMFDD inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention and the graph inFIG. 32 talks from itself. The total mount of EMF energy that hasreached Mr. Cutler is equivalent to the area 2304 under the curve 2300.It is possible to see how much the cheap apartment harmed Mr. Cutlerwith area 2314 and how much his latest situation was better despite asignificant amount of EMF 2324 from the power lines 909 and that someimprovement could still be beneficial to him for furthermore reducingthe amount of EMF surrounding him.

Mr. Cutler is a powerful wealthy man and, in view of his physical state,has decided to sue the company owning the cell phone transmitters 908that were located for years on the outside wall of his cheap apartmentnow that it is scientifically proven that EMFs are causing, inter alia,leukemia. He intends to use the invention presented herein to establishthe required proof.

Other Potentially Claimable Subject Matters

A method for determining the electromagnetic field (EMF) energy levelreceived from a plurality of EMF sources (EMFS) and for identifying eachEMFS, comprising the steps of: receiving an EMF signal; separating theEMF signal into EMF sub-signals; determining the EMF energy level of EMFsub-signals; identifying the source of each EMF sub-signals; and storingthe EMF data and the EMFS identification corresponding to EMFsub-signals.

2. The method for determining the EMF energy level received from aplurality of EMFS and for identifying each EMFS of claim 1, wherein thestep of separating the EMF signal into EMF sub-signals is perform byapplying a Fast Fourier Transform algorithm to the EMF signal.

3. The method for determining the EMF energy level received from aplurality of EMFS and for identifying each EMFS of claim 1, wherein thestep of separating the EMF signal into EMF sub-signals is perform byusing at least one analogical component to separate the EMF signal.

4. The method for determining the EMF energy level received from aplurality of EMFS and for identifying each EMFS of claim 1, wherein thestep of identifying the EMFS is performed by using identificationinformation decoded in the EMF sub-signal.

5. The method for determining the EMF energy level received from aplurality of EMFS and for identifying each EMFS of claim 1, wherein thestep of identifying the EMFS comprises correlating an EMFS database.

6. The method for determining the EMF energy level received from aplurality of EMFS and for identifying each EMFS of claim 1, wherein thestep of determining the EMF data comprises locating the EMF devicelocation with a locating module.

7. The method for determining the EMF energy level received from aplurality of EMFS and for identifying each EMFS of claim 1, wherein thestep of determining the EMF location of the EMF data is performed bytriangulation of EMFS location.

8. The method for determining the EMF energy level received from aplurality of EMFS and for identifying each EMFS of claim 1, wherein thestep of storing the EMF data corresponding to EMD sub-signal isperformed by storing the EMF data and EMFS identification correspondingto EMF sub-signals in a recording medium accessible on a network.

9. The method for determining the EMF energy level received from aplurality of EMFS and for identifying each EMFS of claim 1, furthercomprising the step of providing a warning when the EMF energy level hasreached a predetermined threshold.

10. The method for determining the EMF energy level received from aplurality of EMFS and for identifying each EMFS of claim 1, furthercomprising the step of providing a warning when the exposition time toan EMF having more than a predetermined EMF energy level has reached apredetermined duration threshold.

11. The method for determining the EMF energy level received from aplurality of EMFS and for identifying each EMFS of claim 1, furthercomprising the step of displaying EMF data on a map.

12. The method for determining the EMF energy level received from aplurality of EMFS and for identifying each EMFS of claim 1, furthercomprising the step of displaying a chronological history of EMF data.

13. The method for determining the EMF energy level received from aplurality of EMFS and for identifying each EMFS of claim 1, wherein thestep of identifying the EMFS comprises using interpolated values of EMFdata.

14. The method for determining the EMF energy level received from aplurality of EMFS and for identifying each EMFS of claim 1, wherein thestep of receiving EMF signal comprises using more then one receivingmodule.

15. A user graphical interface comprising: an area adapted to illustratethe energy level of EMFS in relation with geographical locations.

The description and the drawings that are presented above are meant tobe illustrative of the present invention. They are not meant to belimiting of the scope of the present invention. Modifications to theembodiments described may be made without departing from the presentinvention, the scope of which is defined by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of informing persons of potentiallyharmful electromagnetic fields, and their sources, to which they may beexposed within a geographical area, the method comprising: receiving andrecording, EMF-related data from each of a plurality of devices carriedor worn by individuals during life activities over time, each respectivedevice of the plurality of devices comprising: a receiving moduleadapted to receive an EMF input signal to which an individual carryingor wearing the respective device is exposed, the EMF input signalincluding EMF sub-signals generated by one or more EMF generatingdevices; a processing module adapted to separate the received EMF inputsignal, to which the individual carrying or wearing the respectivedevice is exposed, into the EMF sub-signals; to identify energy levelsof the EMF sub-signals; and, for each EMF sub-signal having an energylevel above a predetermined energy level, to identify an EMF sourcecorresponding to such EMF sub-signal, including for at least one suchEMF sub-signal digitally decoding an electronic signature; a time-datemodule operatively connected to the processing module and adapted toassociate a time-date associated with the received EMF input signal towhich the individual carrying or wearing the respective device isexposed; and a location module operatively connected to the processingmodule and adapted to identify a location associated with the receivedEMF input signal to which the individual carrying or wearing therespective device is exposed, wherein the EMF-related data that isreceived comprises the identified location, the associated time-date,and at least one of the identified energy level, frequency, and EMFsource corresponding to a separated EMF sub-signal; the method furthercomprising: identifying electromagnetic fields and energy levels of theelectromagnetic fields to which the individuals were exposed within ageographical area based on the identified locations in the EMF-relateddata received from the plurality of devices carried or worn by theindividuals, and displaying a graphical representation of energy levelsof electromagnetic fields sources of electromagnetic fields within thegeographical area based on the identified electromagnetic fields andidentified energy levels of the electromagnetic fields to which theindividuals were exposed within a geographical area.
 2. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising providing historical EMF energy levels atparticular locations within the geographical area.
 3. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising extrapolating a future EMF energy level aparticular location within the geographical area.
 4. The method of claim1, further comprising sending a message to a device on a basis of an EMFenergy level characteristic.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein thecharacteristic is selected from a group consisting of an EMF durationand an EMF power.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality ofdevices comprises a personal apparatus having a size and configurationfor carrying or wearing by an individual.
 7. The method of claim 1,wherein the plurality of devices comprises a mobile phone.
 8. The methodof claim 1, wherein the EMF-related data that is received from each ofthe plurality of devices is recorded at a server with the EMF-relateddata being stored for and in association with a plurality of personssuch that the EMF-related data can be accessed later for providing ahistorical record of the EMF environment of each person over time. 9.The method of claim 1, wherein the EMF-related data is received fromeach of the plurality of devices over the Internet.